U.S. patent application number 09/817767 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for automotive vehicle air bag system.
Invention is credited to Faust, Daniel Patrick, Rogers, Darrell O., Thomas, Scott David, Wolanin, Michael John.
Application Number | 20010035637 09/817767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27393025 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035637 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas, Scott David ; et
al. |
November 1, 2001 |
Automotive vehicle air bag system
Abstract
An air bag system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The
air bag system includes a housing substantially enclosing a gas
emitting inflator and a compact undeployed air bag. The system
further includes a moveable member that controls flow of gas into
the air bag by controlling items such as tether elements and
venting openings that, in turn, control the amount of gas released
into the bag and the shape of the bag upon deployment.
Inventors: |
Thomas, Scott David; (Novi,
MI) ; Wolanin, Michael John; (Hartland, MI) ;
Faust, Daniel Patrick; (Howell, MI) ; Rogers, Darrell
O.; (Rochester, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEFFREY A. SEDLAR
General Motors Corporation
Mail Code 482-C23-B21
P.O. Box 300
Detroit
MI
48265-3000
US
|
Family ID: |
27393025 |
Appl. No.: |
09/817767 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60192290 |
Mar 27, 2000 |
|
|
|
60196547 |
Apr 11, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/736 ;
280/741 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2021/23382
20130101; B60R 2021/2765 20130101; B60R 21/276 20130101; B60R
21/2338 20130101; B60R 21/233 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/736 ;
280/741 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An air bag system comprising: a gas emitting inflator for
emitting inflation gas, said inflator in signaling communication
with a device for sensing a first predetermined condition; an air
bag in fluid communication with said inflator for receiving said
inflation gas from said inflator to inflate said air bag to a
deployed state upon the occurrence of said first predetermined
condition; a housing substantially surrounding said air bag and
said inflator prior to inflation of said air bag, said housing
including a vent opening; a profile restraining tether element
attached to a portion of said air bag a moveable member that is
moveable from a first position to a second position, said member
including an opening in alignment with said vent opening of said
housing when said moveable member is in its first position and out
of alignment when said moveable member is in said second position;
an actuator in signaling communication with a second sensing
device, said actuator capable of selectively actuating said
moveable member from said first position to said second position,
said second sensing device capable of sending signals to said
actuator to assist in determining when said actuator actuates said
moveable member based upon a second predetermined condition; and a
release mechanism having a rotatable member supported by said
moveable member prior to actuation of said member, said rotatable
member rotating to release said tether element upon actuation of
said moveable member.
2. An air bag system as in claim 1, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are integrated into a single
system.
3. An air bag system as in claim 1, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are separate from each
other.
4. An air bag system as in claim 1, wherein said housing includes
an opening adjacent said rotatable member and said rotatable member
rotates to partially cover said opening adjacent said rotatable
member such that said opening aspirates gas from the surrounding
environment.
5. An air bag system as in claim 1, wherein said second
predetermined condition is occupant positioning.
6. An air bag system comprising: a gas emitting inflator for
emitting inflation gas, said inflator in signaling communication
with a device for sensing a first predetermined condition; an air
bag in fluid communication with said inflator for receiving said
inflation gas from said inflator to inflate said air bag to a
deployed state upon the occurrence of said first predetermined
condition; a housing substantially surrounding said air bag and
said inflator prior to inflation of said air bag, said housing
including a vent opening and a rod extending into said housing; a
profile restraining tether element attached to a portion of said
air bag and looped about said rod of said housing; a scraper; a
moveable member in driving relationship with said scraper, said
moveable member being moveable from a first position to a second
position, said member including an opening in alignment with said
vent opening of said housing when said moveable member is in its
first position and out of alignment when said housing is in said
second position; and an actuator in signaling communication with a
second sensing device, said actuator capable of selectively
actuating said moveable member from said first position to said
second position, said second sensing device capable of sending
signals to said actuator to assist in determining when said
actuator actuates said moveable member based upon a second
predetermined condition; wherein said tether element is releasable
from said rod by said scraper upon actuation of said moveable
member.
7. An air bag system as in claim 6, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are integrated into a single
system.
8. An air bag system as in claim 6, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are separate from each
other.
9. An air bag system as in claim 6, wherein said second
predetermined condition is occupant positioning.
10. An air bag system comprising: a gas emitting inflator for
emitting inflation gas, said inflator in signaling communication
with a device for sensing a first predetermined condition; an air
bag in fluid communication with said inflator for receiving said
inflation gas from said inflator to inflate said air bag to a
deployed state upon the occurrence of said first predetermined
condition; a housing substantially surrounding said air bag and
said inflator prior to inflation of said air bag, said housing
including a vent opening; a profile restraining tether element
attached to a portion of said air bag a moveable member that is
moveable from a first position to a second position, said member
including an opening with a first portion in alignment with said
vent opening of said housing when said moveable member is in its
first position and a second portion in alignment with said vent
opening of said housing when said housing is in said second
position; and an actuator in signaling communication with a second
sensing device, said actuator capable of selectively actuating said
moveable member from said first position to said second position,
said second sensing device capable of sending signals to said
actuator to assist in determining when said actuator actuates said
moveable members based upon a second predetermined condition; and a
release mechanism for coacting with said moveable member for
releasing said tether element upon actuation of said moveable
member.
11. An air bag system as in claim 10, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are integrated into a single
system.
12. An air bag system as in claim 10, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are separate from each
other.
13. An air bag system as in claim 10, wherein said second
predetermined condition is occupant positioning.
14. An air bag system comprising: a gas emitting inflator for
emitting inflation gas, said inflator in signaling communication
with a device for sensing a first predetermined condition; an air
bag in fluid communication with said inflator for receiving said
inflation gas from said inflator to inflate said air bag to a
deployed state upon the occurrence of said first predetermined
condition; a housing substantially surrounding said air bag and
said inflator prior to inflation of said air bag, said housing
including a vent opening; a moveable member that is moveable from a
first position to a second position, said member including an
opening in alignment with said vent opening of said housing when
said moveable member is in its first position and out of alignment
when said housing is in said second position; an actuator in
signaling communication with a second sensing device, said actuator
capable of selectively actuating said moveable member from said
first position to said second position, said second sensing device
capable of sending signals to said actuator to assist in
determining when said actuator actuates said moveable member based
upon a second predetermined condition; and a gas director attached
to said moveable member adjacent said opening of said member, said
gas director guiding gas from said inflator through said opening in
said moveable member and said vent opening in said housing when
said moveable member is in a position selected from said first
position and said second position.
15. An air bag system as in claim 14, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are integrated into a single
system.
16. An air bag system as in claim 14, wherein said first sensing
device and said second sensing device are separate from each
other.
17. An air bag system as in claim 14, wherein said second
predetermined condition is occupant positioning.
Description
[0001] The present application claims benefit of Provisional
Application No. 60/192,290 filed Mar. 27, 2000, and Provisional
Application No. 60/196,547 filed Apr. 11, 2000, both hereby
expressly incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an automotive vehicle air
bag system having controlled deployment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Air bag systems in automotive vehicles generally include an
air bag that is designed to deploy toward a seat of the automotive
vehicle when triggered by a sensor signal. For example, air bag
systems might be deployed upon sudden deceleration of a vehicle or
upon impact of the vehicle with another object. The art continues
to investigate alternative ways to deploy air bags. For example,
accelerometers have been investigated to determine when a sensor
should signal the deployment of an air bag. Inflator assemblies
have also been developed to control how much gas is emitted into an
air bag upon deployment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is premised upon yet another
alternative way to deploy air bags, which involves controlling the
manner of deployment of an air bag.
[0005] Accordingly, there is disclosed an air bag system having a
gas emitting inflator for emitting inflation gas. The inflator is
in signaling communication with a device for sensing a first
predetermined condition. An air bag is in fluid communication with
the inflator for receiving the inflation gas from the inflator to
inflate the air bag to a deployed state upon the occurrence of the
first predetermined condition. A housing surrounds the air bag and
the inflator prior to inflation of the air bag and the air bag
includes a vent opening. A profile restraining element is attached
to a portion of the air bag. A moveable member is moveable from a
first position to a second position. The moveable member includes
an opening in alignment with the vent opening of the housing when
the moveable member is in its first position and out of alignment
when the moveable member is in its second position. An actuator is
in signaling communication with a second sensing device. The
actuator is capable of selectively actuating the moveable member
from the first position to the second position . The second sensing
device is capable of sending signals to the actuator to assist in
determining when the actuator actuates the moveable member based
upon a second predetermined condition.
[0006] In one preferred embodiment, the air bag system includes a
release mechanism having a rotatable member supported by the
moveable member prior to actuation of the member wherein the
rotatable member rotates to release a tether element upon actuation
of the moveable member.
[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the air bag system includes
a scraper and the housing includes a rod. A tether element is
releasable from the rod by the scraper upon actuation of the
moveable member.
[0008] In still another preferred embodiment, the air bag system
includes a gas director attached to the moveable member adjacent
the opening of the member, the gas director guiding gas from the
inflator through the opening in the moveable member and the vent
opening in the housing when the moveable member is in a position
selected from the first and second position.
[0009] Accordingly, whether or not employed in combination with one
or more additional alternative ways to deploy air bags, the present
invention offers air bag system designers additional flexibility in
designing air bag systems for placement in any of a number of
locations within an automotive vehicle and for different vehicle
designs.
[0010] These and other objects, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) are top views of an air bag system as an air
bag is deployed from the system.
[0012] FIG. 2(a) is a top cut away view of a portion of an air bag
system having a moveable member in a first position.
[0013] FIG. 2(b) is a sectional view of the air bag system of FIG.
2(a) taken along line 2B-2B.
[0014] FIG. 2(c) is a top cut away view of a portion of the air bag
system of FIGS. 2(a)-2(b) having the moveable member in a second
position.
[0015] FIG. 2(d) is a sectional view of the air bag system of FIG.
2(c) taken along line 2D-2D.
[0016] FIG. 3(a) is a side sectional view of an air bag system with
an air bag having a selectively releasable tether element in an
unreleased state.
[0017] FIG. 3(b) is a sectional view of the air bag and tether
element of FIG. 3(a) taken along line 3B-3B.
[0018] FIG. 3(c) is a side sectional view of the air bag system of
FIG. 3(a) with the selectively releasable tether element in a
released state.
[0019] FIG. 3(d) is a sectional view of the air bag and tether
element of FIG. 3(a) taken along line 3D-3D.
[0020] FIG. 4(a) is a sectional side view of an air bag system with
an air bag and a pair of selectively releasable tether elements in
a released and unreleased state.
[0021] FIG. 4(b) is a sectional view of the air bag and tether
elements of FIG. 4(a) taken along line 4B-4B.
[0022] FIG. 4(c) is a sectional side view of an air bag system with
an air bag and selectively releasable tether elements in a released
and unreleased state.
[0023] FIG. 4(d) is a sectional view of the air bag and tether
elements of FIG. 4(c) taken along line 4D-4D.
[0024] FIG. 4(e) is a sectional side view of an air bag system with
an air bag and a pair of selectively releasable tether elements in
a released and unreleased state.
[0025] FIG. 4(f) is a sectional view of the air bag and tether
elements of FIG. 4(e) taken along line 4F-4F.
[0026] FIG. 4(g) is a sectional side view of an air bag system with
an air bag and a selectively releasable tether element in a
released and unreleased state.
[0027] FIG. 4(h) is a sectional view of the air bag and tether
element of FIG. 4(g) taken along line 4H-4H.
[0028] FIGS. 5(a)-5(b) are sectional views of a portion of an air
bag system having an air bag and a selectively releasable tether
element respectively in a released and unreleased state.
[0029] FIGS. 5(c)-5(d) are sectional views of a portion of an air
bag system having an air bag with a selectively releasable portion
respectively in a released and unreleased state.
[0030] FIGS. 5(e)-5(f) are sectional views of a portion of an air
bag system having an air bag and a selectively releasable tether
element respectively in a released and unreleased state.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of another airbag system
with a ring type release mechanism for selectively releasing a
tether element of the system.
[0032] FIGS. 6(a)-6(b) respectively illustrate a top and sectional
view of a ring type release mechanism for use in the air bag system
of FIG. 6.
[0033] FIGS. 6(c)-6(d) respectively illustrate a top and sectional
view of a ring type release mechanism for use in the air bag system
of FIG. 6.
[0034] FIG. 6(e)-6(f) respectively illustrate a top and sectional
view of a ring type release mechanism for use in the air bag system
of FIG. 6.
[0035] FIGS. 7(a)-7(b) respectively illustrated a side sectional
view and a top cut away view of a portion of an air bag system
having an air bag, a selectively releasable tether element prior to
release and a moveable member.
[0036] FIGS. 7(c)-7(d) respectively illustrate the air bag system
of FIGS. 7(a)-7(b), wherein the moveable member has been actuated
and the tether element released.
[0037] FIGS. 8(a)-8(b) are side views of a tether element release
mechanism respectively retaining and releasing a tether
element.
[0038] FIG. 8(c) is a sectional view of the tether element release
mechanism taken along line 8C-8C.
[0039] FIGS. 8(d)-8(e) illustrate side views of the operation of a
tether element release mechanism.
[0040] FIGS. 8(f)-8(g) respectively illustrate top views of the
tether element release mechanism of FIGS. 8(d)-8(e) taken along
lines 8F-8F and 8G-G.
[0041] FIGS. 8(h)-8(i) illustrate top views of the tether element
release mechanism of FIGS. 8(d)-8(e) during assembly.
[0042] FIGS. 8(j)-8(k) illustrate top views of a tether element
release mechanism during operation.
[0043] FIGS. 8(l)-8(n) illustrate top views of the tether element
release mechanism during assembly.
[0044] FIG. 8(o) illustrates a top view of another tether element
release mechanism.
[0045] FIGS. 8(p)-8(q) illustrates side views of another tether
element release mechanism during operation.
[0046] FIGS. 8(r)-8(s) illustrates top views of another tether
element release mechanism during operation.
[0047] FIGS. 8(t)-8(u) illustrate top views of the tether element
release mechanism of FIGS. 8(r)-8(s) during assembly.
[0048] FIGS. 8(v)-8(w) illustrate top views of another tether
element release mechanism during operation.
[0049] FIGS. 8(x)-8(z) illustrate top views of the tether element
release mechanism of FIGS. 8(v)-8(w) during assembly.
[0050] FIGS. 9(a)-9(b) respectively illustrate a sectional and a
top cut away view of a tether element release mechanism prior to
deployment.
[0051] FIGS. 9(c)-9(d) respectively illustrate a sectional and a
top cut away view of the tether element release mechanism of FIGS.
9(a)-9(b) after deployment.
[0052] FIGS. 10(a)-10(b) illustrate another tether element release
mechanism respectively prior to and after deployment.
[0053] FIGS. 10(c)-10(d) illustrate another tether element release
mechanism respectively prior to and after deployment.
[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of an air bag system
having an air bag, a tether element, and a moveable member.
[0055] FIG. 11(a) illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the
tether element of FIG. 11 taken along line 11 A-11A.
[0056] FIG. 11(b) illustrates a sectional view of the attachment of
the tether element of FIG. 11 to the air bag of FIG. 11 taken along
line 11B-11B.
[0057] FIGS. 12(a)-12(b) respectively illustrate a sectional view
of an air bag system having a moveable member, an opening and a
tether element release mechanism and a side view of the opening
prior to actuation of the moveable member.
[0058] FIGS. 12(c)-12(d) respectively illustrate a sectional view
of an air bag system having a moveable member, an opening and a
tether element release mechanism and a side view of the opening
after actuation of the moveable member.
[0059] FIGS. 13(a)-13(b) illustrate a portion of the air bag system
of FIG. 2(a)-2(b) with an opening added.
[0060] FIGS. 14(a)-14(b) illustrate a side sectional view of a
portion of an air bag system having a selectively releasable tether
element and an opening wherein the tether element is respectively
in an unreleased and released state.
[0061] FIGS. 15(a)-15(b) illustrate a top view of a portion of an
air bag system with a moveable member and a moveable housing.
[0062] FIGS. 15(c)-15(d) illustrate top views of an opening in a
housing and an opening in a moveable member.
[0063] FIGS. 15(e)-15(f) illustrate top views of an opening in a
housing and an opening in a moveable member.
[0064] FIGS. 15(g)-15(h) illustrate top views of an opening in a
housing and an opening in a moveable member.
[0065] FIGS. 16(a)-16(b) illustrate side views of a venting system
with a gas director.
[0066] FIGS. 16(c)-16(d) illustrate side views of another venting
system with a gas director.
[0067] FIGS. 17(a) illustrates a portion of an air bag system
having an inflator translating a moveable member.
[0068] FIGS. 17(b)-17(c) illustrates another portion of an air bag
system having an inflator translating a moveable member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0069] The present invention is premised upon the employment in an
air bag system of a moveable member for assisting in 1) selectively
retaining or releasing a tether element 2) selectively opening or
closing openings or 3) directing gas flow within a system being
deployed. The invention is at least partially based upon advances
over copending application Ser. No. 09/672,409 filed Sep. 28, 2000
and entitled, "Variable Profile Air Bag Restraint", which is herein
expressly incorporated by reference, and is related to commonly
owned copending application entitled "Automotive Air Bag System",
attorney docket No. GP-301115, filed on the same date as the
present application, which is also herein expressly incorporated by
reference.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1(a)-1(c), an air bag system 10 generally
includes an inflatable air bag 12, and a gas emitting inflator 14
for emitting gas into the air bag upon a signal from a triggering
sensor (not shown). A housing stores the air bag prior to
deployment. A deployment door 16, typically exposed to passenger
view, covers the housing and opens to allow the deployment of the
air bag 12. In FIG. 1(a), the air bag 12 is in a non-deployed state
and is therefore disposed behind the deployment door 16 that is
mounted within or upon a dashboard 18 or other interior structure
of an automotive vehicle. In FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c), the air bag 12 is
shown both during deployment of the bag 12 toward an individual 22
and is shown fully deployed.
[0071] The gas emitting inflator 14 is in signaling communication
with a triggering sensor (not shown) for sensing a first
predetermined condition such as a vehicle impact, extreme
deceleration or the like. The gas emitting inflator 14 includes a
canister or other suitable container adapted for containing a gas
source and one or more outlets for emitting gas liberated from the
source into the air bag 12 upon deployment. Thus, the container 14
may contain compressed gas to be emitted into the bag, solid
propellant that ignites thereby producing gas to be emitted into
the bag, or a combination upon the occurrence of the predetermined
condition sensed by the sensor.
[0072] The air bag 12 of the system is formed of conventional woven
air bag materials such as nylon, polyester or the like, which
optionally are selectively coated with a suitable coating (e.g.
silicone based) over at least a portion of its surfaces for
selectively controlling density and porosity of the bag 12, and
thus the release of gas from within the bag 12 during and after
deployment. As will be appreciated from the discussion herein, the
use of selective coatings may be substituted or used in combination
with other techniques disclosed for varying the rigidity of the air
bag and its rate of deployment of the air bag
[0073] Moveable Member
[0074] In a first preferred aspect of the present invention, the
amount of gas released into the air bag, the shape of the air bag
upon deployment or both are at least partially controlled by a
moveable member proximate the gas emitting inflator. The moveable
member may assist in selectively inhibiting or promoting the
release of gas from a gas emitting inflator into an air bag.
Alternatively or in addition, the moveable member may be releasably
attached to a tether element or operate another member that is
releasably attached to a tether element. By retaining or releasing
the tether element, the moveable member assists in controlling the
shape of the air bag and controlling the distance away from the gas
emitting inflator that the air bag travels upon deployment or
both.
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 2(a) through 2(d), there is
illustrated an air bag system 30 including a housing 32 at least
partially surrounding a gas emitting inflator 34 with gas emitting
openings 35, a moveable member 36, an actuator 38, an air bag
restraining tether element 40 and an air bag 42.
[0076] The moveable member 36, which in this example is a plate, is
disposed between the gas emitting inflator 34 and the housing 32.
The member 36 includes elongated protrusions 44 that define
channels 46 and the housing 42 includes rails 48 that may be
slidably disposed within the channels 46 of the member 36. The
member 36 and the housing 32 respectively include low pressure
venting openings 50, 52. The member 36 and the housing 32 also
respectively include high pressure venting openings 54, 55 directly
adjacent the gas emitting openings 35, the gas emitting inflator
34. The member 36 and the housing 32 are high strength to weight
materials, such as steel, aluminum or plastic composites.
[0077] The actuator 38 includes a plunger 56 and a housing 58
surrounding a suitable device such as a motor or pneumatic arm (not
shown) for linearly actuating the plunger 56 out of the housing 58.
In FIG. 2(a)-2(d), the housing 58, preferably, surrounds a
pyrotechnic device (not shown) such as propellant which may be
conventionally ignited to create pressure in the housing thereby
actuating the plunger 56 out of the housing 58 upon deployment of
the air bag 42. Preferably, the actuator 38 is communicatively
connected with a suitable sensor (e.g. the air bag deployment
sensor, another different sensor, or both) that sends a signal to
activate the pyrotechnic device within the housing 58 upon
detecting a triggering condition such as a vehicle impact. The
housing 58 may also include a suitable stopper (not shown) for
preventing the plunger 56 from retracting once it is extended. It
be recognized that there exist many known and commercially
available sensor systems that may be used with the present
invention.
[0078] The tether element 40 of the system 30 is attached to a
portion of the air bag 42 and an attachment such as loop 60 of the
tether element 40 is disposed about a pin 62 of the moveable member
36. The tether element 40 may be any suitable material, including
that used to form the air bag 42.
[0079] In general, the tether elements of the present invention are
flexible wires, cords, ropes or webs that typically are attached at
one end to an air bag and have a free second end for releasable
attachment to a portion of the air bag housing, such as an
attachment pin, arm, hook or the like (referred to herein
generically as a pin). The free end of the tether element thus has
a looped or sleeved attachment configuration (referred to herein as
a loop.) The tether element thus provides at least a temporary
resistance on an air bag being deployed to restrain the profile of
the bag as the bag extends outwardly away from the gas emitting
inflator. As will be seen herein the location of the tether element
and its mechanisms of release advantageously permit control over
the sequence of air bag inflation or its direction of
inflation.
[0080] In operation, the actuator 38 receives a signal from a
sensor or sensor system and, depending upon the signal received,
the actuator 38 may selectively actuate (e.g., translate) the
member 36 along the rails 48 between a first position (e.g. prior
to actuation) which is shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) and a second
position, e.g. the position shown in FIGS. 2(c) and 2(d). In the
first position, the high pressure vent openings 54, 55 are aligned
and the low pressure vent openings 50, 52 are out of alignment.
[0081] If the signal from the sensor system does not signal the
actuation of the moveable member 36, the tether element 40 remains
looped about the pin 62 such that the tether element 40 can at
least partially restrain the inflation of the bag 42. Further, the
high pressure vent openings 54, 55 remain aligned to purge a
substantial amount of gas that would normally enter the air bag
42.
[0082] If the member 36 is actuated, the member 36 translates
between positions and the pin 62 of the member 36 slides between a
flange 64 of the housing 32 and a back wall 66 of the housing 42
such that the loop 60 of the tether element 40 is slid off the pin
62 by the flange 64 thereby releasing the tether element 40. The
high pressure openings 54, 55 are moved out of alignment to close
the openings 54, 55 and prohibit any substantial venting through
the openings 54, 55. The low pressure vents openings 50, 52 align
to provide ride-down venting or venting after the air bag 42 has
been substantially inflated. By actuating the member 36 to release
the tether element 40 and close openings 54, 55, the air bag 42
becomes more substantially inflated than if the member 36 is not
deployed. Thus, the one or more sensors in communication with the
actuator 38 are preferably programmed to signal actuation of the
moveable member 36 when the sensors sense a predetermined condition
appropriate for relatively unrestrained air bag 42 deployment and
do not signal actuation when the sensors sense a predetermined
condition appropriate for a more restrained deployment. Exemplary
conditions sensed by the sensors may include vehicle occupant
positioning, degree of vehicle impact, location of vehicle impact
and the like. It may also be the case that the moveable 36 is
automatically actuated upon deployment of the air bag 42 unless a
sensor sends a signal stopping such automatic actuation.
[0083] Tether Element Systems
[0084] Tether elements, advantageously are employed for controlling
direction as of air bag deployment by restraining one portion of
the air bag resistive to another portion of the system. Referring
to FIGS. 3(a) through 3(d), there is illustrated one type of air
bag restraining tether element 80 for use in the air bag system 30.
An edge 82 of the tether element 80 is attached in an elongated
manner to a portion of the bag 42. A portion 84 of the tether
element 80 opposite the edge 82 is attached to the housing 32 of
the air bag system 30. An attachment 86 of the tether element 80 is
looped about to the pin 62 of the member 36 between the edge 82 and
portion 84 of the tether element 80. The tether element 80 has a
triangular panel structure when the air bag 42 is inflated as shown
in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(c).
[0085] In operation, the loop 86 of the tether element 80 is
releasably attached to the pin 62 as in FIG. 2(a)-2(d). If the
tether element 80 remains attached to the pin 62, the tether
element 80 remains relatively short and restrains the portion of
the air bag 42 that is attached to the edge 82 of the tether
element 80, thereby causing a wider deployment of the air bag 42 or
air bag profile that is restrained as the air bag 42 deploys toward
a vehicle seat as relatively shown in solid lines in FIGS.
3(a)-3(b) and phantom lines in FIGS. 3(c)-3(d). If the tether
element 80 is allowed to release from the pin 62, the tether
element 80 becomes longer and applies a relatively lower level of
restraint upon the portion of the air bag 42 attached to the edge
82 of the tether element 80 thereby allowing a more elongated
deployment of the air bag 42, resulting in an air bag profile that
is less restrained as the air bag 42 deploys toward a vehicle seat
as relatively shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 3(a)-3(b) and solid
lines in FIGS. 3(a)-3(d).
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 4(a)-4(h), alternative embodiments of
potential tether elements are disclosed. Each of the tether
elements includes a device for releasable attachment of the tether
element to a moveable plate. Each of the air bags is shown with its
respective tether element in a restrained state as depicted by
solid lines, and in the released state as depicted by phantom
lines.
[0087] In FIGS. 4(a)-4(b) there is illustrated an air bag 90 that
includes a pair of spaced apart tether elements 92 that are
substantially similar to the lone tether element 80 of FIGS.
3(a)-3(d) with the exception that tether elements 92 are oriented
horizontally rather than vertically.
[0088] In FIGS. 4(c)-4(d), there is illustrated an air bag 94 that
includes two vertical panel tether elements 96 that are generally
triangular and each includes an elongated edge 98 attached to the
air bag 94.
[0089] In FIGS. 4(e)-4(f), there is illustrated an air bag 100
having a pair of rope tether elements 102 that are attached to
central portions of the air bag thereby restraining the central
portions upon deployment.
[0090] In FIGS. 4(g)-4(h), there is illustrated another air bag 104
having a tether element 106 including a first portion 108 that
separates into a second and third portion 110, 112, that are
attached to the air bag 104.
[0091] As demonstrated by the above, the various tether elements of
the present invention may be selectively restrained or released in
a variety of manners. Referring to FIGS. 5(a)-5(f), there are
disclosed a variety of release mechanisms that operate in
conjunction with a moveable member (i.e. translatable into and out
of the page in the depictions of FIGS. 5(a)-5(f)) to selectively
restrain or release the tether elements or the air bags of an air
bag system.
[0092] In FIGS. 5(a)-5(b), there is illustrated a portion of an air
bag system 120 having a housing 122 with a opening 124, an air bag
126, a tether element 128 and a moveable member 130. The member 130
is exterior of the housing 122 and includes one or more guide rails
132 that are disposed within one or more channels 134 of the
housing 122 for translatably attaching the member 130 to the
housing 122. The member 130 further includes a pin 136 located
adjacent the opening 124 prior to deployment of the member 130. The
tether element 128 is located outside of the interior of the air
bag 126 and is directly attached to the bag 126. The tether element
106 includes a loop 138. Upon deployment of the air bag 126, the
member 130 may or may not be actuated. If the member 130 is
actuated, the movable member 130 is translated such that the loop
138 of the tether element 128 is slid off the pin 136 by a wall of
the opening 124 as the pin 136 is moved away from the opening 124
thereby releasing the tether element 128.
[0093] In FIGS. 5(c)-5(d), there is illustrated an air bag system
140 having a housing 142, a moveable member 144, a release
mechanism having a retention member 146 and an air bag 150 with a
rod 152 attached thereto. The moveable member 144 is substantially
identical to the member 36 of FIGS. 2(a)-2(h) with the exception
that the member 144 includes a flange 154 extending at an angle
away from the moveable member 144. The retention member 146
includes a cylindrical portion 156, an arcuate member 158 for
constraining the rod 152, and a flange 160 extending from the
arcuate member 158. The cylindrical portion 156 of the retention
member 146 is rotatably disposed within a socket portion 162 of the
housing 142. Prior to actuation of the moveable member 144, the
flange 154 of the moveable member 144 is in a detent position
relative to the flange 160 of the retention member 146 for
restricting rotation of the retention member 146.
[0094] Upon actuation of the moveable member 144, the flange 154 of
the member 144 is moved from the detent position to a position
allowing free rotation of the flange 160. In this manner, the
arcuate portion 158 can be rotated about the cylindrical portion
156 to release the rod 152, and thereby release the air bag
150.
[0095] In FIGS. 5(e) and 5(f), there is illustrated a portion of an
air bag assembly having a housing 166 with an opening 168, an air
bag 170, a tether element 172 with a pin 174 a release mechanism
with a rotatable arm 176 and a moveable member 178. The moveable
member 178 is exterior of the housing 166 and includes at least one
guide rails 180 disposed within a channel 182 of the housing 166.
The moveable member 178 includes a wall 184 for selectively opening
the opening 168. The wall extends only partially over the distance
that the moveable member 178 may move upon actuation. The rotatable
arm 176 includes a first portion 186 attached to an arcuate portion
188, which extends through the opening 168 into abutting contact
with the wall 184 of the member 178. The first portion 186 includes
a cylindrical portion 190 in a socket portion 192 of the housing
166 for rotation of the rotatable member 176 about the cylindrical
portion 190.
[0096] Upon actuation of the moveable member 178, the wall 184 is
displaced relative to the arcuate portion 188 of the rotatable arm
176, until the wall no longer contacts the arm 176. In this manner,
the arm 176 becomes free to rotate in the socket portion 192. Upon
such rotation, the rotatable member 176 releases the pin 174 and
the tether element 172.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 6, 6(a)-6(f), there is illustrated an air
bag system 200 having an air bag 202, a tether element 204, a
release mechanism 206 for selectively releasing the tether element
204 and housing 208. The release mechanism 206 includes a pin 210
of a moveable member (not shown) and a ring member 212. The ring
member 212 may be any of those shown in FIGS. 6(a)-6(f). Prior to
deployment of the air bag 200, the ring member 212 surrounds the
pin 210 and a loop 214 of the tether element 204 surrounds a
portion of the ring member 213. Upon deployment, the moveable
member pulls the pin 210 out of the ring member 212 releasing the
member 212 and the tether element 204.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 7(a)-7(d), there is illustrated an air bag
system 220 having an air bag 222, a tether element 224, a housing
226, a moveable member 228 and a release mechanism 230. The release
mechanism 230 includes a rod 232 attached to the tether element
224. The rod 232 has a plurality of gripping members 234 extending
therefrom. Each of the gripping members 234 includes a channel 236.
The moveable member 228 includes a plurality of protrusions
238.
[0099] Prior to actuation, the protrusions 238 of the moveable
member 228 are disposed in the channels 236 of the gripping members
234 of the release mechanism 230 thereby securing the rod 232 and
therefore a portion of the tether element 224 within a channel 239
of the housing 226. Upon actuation, the moveable member 228 is
displaced such that the protrusions 238 of the moveable member 228
exit the channels 236 of the gripping members 234 thereby releasing
the rod 236 and the tether element 224.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 8(a)-8(c), there is illustrated an air
bag system 240 having a housing 242, a moveable member 244, and a
release mechanism 246 for releasing a tether element 248. The
release mechanism 246 includes a rotatable pin 250 having a thinned
or weakened portion 252 that the pin 250 may rotate about. The
tether element 248 includes a loop 258, which may be looped about
or secured to the pin 250. Prior to actuation, the pin 250 is
secured within a cavity 260 of the housing 242 and within a cavity
262 of the moveable member 244 and the loop portion 258 of the
tether element 248 is retained by the pin 250. Upon actuation, the
moveable member 244 is displaced sufficiently to cause the pin 250
to become released from the cavity 262 of the moveable member 244.
The pin 250 is then able to rotate about the thinned or weakened
portion 252 of the pin 250, thereby releasing the loop portion 258
to release the tether element 248.
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 8(d)-8(o), there are illustrated
alternative release mechanisms having a stationary pin, and a
scraper that translated by the moveable members for releasing a
tether element.
[0102] First, in FIGS. 8(d)-8(i), there is illustrated a portion of
an air bag system 280 having a generally stationary pin 282
attached to a housing 284. A scraper 286 is attached to a moveable
member (not shown) and a tether element 288 having a loop 290 for
receiving the pin 282. The scraper 286 includes a portion 294 for
displaceably engaging the loop 290 of the tether element 288. As
shown best in FIGS. 8(h)-8(i), the portion 294 for displaceably
engaging the loop 290 is flexible such that it may be moved past
the tether element 288 and into position between the tether 288 and
the housing 284. In operation, the loop 290 of the tether element
288 receives the pin 282 and the scraper member 286 is supported by
the pin 282 as well. Upon deployment of an air bag, the moveable
member translates the scraper member 286 and the portion 294
translates the loop 290 off of the pin 282 thereby releasing the
tether element 288.
[0103] In other embodiments, the scraper may include multiple
components. Referring to FIGS. 8(j)-8(n), there is illustrated a
portion of an assembly 310 for an air bag system having a
stationary pin 312. A scraper 314 is attached to a moveable member
(not shown) and a tether element 316 having a loop 317 for
receiving the pin 312. The scraper 314 includes a hook attachment
having a first portion 320 and a second hooking portion 322. The
first receiving portion 320 is generally elongated and includes a
plurality of holes 326 for receiving the hooks 332 of the hooking
portion 322. The second hooking portion 322 includes a generally
annular ring 328 having a central hole 330. The assembly 310 is
assembled by placing the first receiving portion 320 upon the pin
312 by slidably receiving the pin 312 within one of the holes 326
(e.g. in axial alignment with the central hole 330) of the first
member 320. Thereafter, the loop 317 is looped about the pin 312.
Finally, the central hole 330 of the second hooking portion 332 is
slidably place on the pin 312, and the spaced hooks 332 are hooked
into engagement with the first receiving portion 320. Upon
deployment of the moveable member, the scraper 314 is displaced
away from the pin 312, causing the scraper to slide the tether
element loop 316 from the pin 312. The spacing of the hooks 332
allows the loop of the tether element to become free and release
the tether element 316. It also allows the tether element 316 to be
assembled onto the pin before the hooks 332 are attached (see FIGS.
8L-8N).
[0104] Referring to FIG. 8(o), there is illustrated a portion of an
assembly 350 for an air bag system, the assembly 350 including a
stationary pin 352, a scraper 354 attached to a moveable member
(not shown) and a tether element 356 having a loop 358 for
receiving the pin 352. The scraper 354 includes a first member 360
and a second member 362. The first member 360 is generally
elongated and includes holes 364. The second member 362 includes a
generally "U-shaped" portion 366 with a central hole 368 and a pair
of hooking members 370. The assembly 350 is assembled by placing
the second member 362 upon the pin 352 by slidably receiving the
pin 352 within the central hole 368 of the second member 362.
Thereafter, the loop 358 of the tether element 356 is looped about
the pin 352. Finally, the central hole 364 of the first member 360
is slidably received by the pin 352 as the pair of hooking members
370 are fastened within the remaining two holes 364 of the first
member 360. Upon deployment of the moveable member, the scraper
member 354 is translated and the second member 362 translates the
loop 358 of the tether element 356 from the pin 352 thereby
releasing the tether element 356.
[0105] Referring to FIGS. 8(p)-(8(z), there are illustrated release
mechanisms with pins associated with moveable members. Referring
specifically to FIGS. 8(p)-8(q), there is illustrated a portion of
assembly 380 having a housing 381, a pin 382 attached to a moveable
member (not shown), a tether element 384 having a loop 386 for
receiving the pin 382 and a generally annular ring 388 mounted in a
fixed position relative to the housing, and having a central hole
390 for receiving the pin 382. The assembly 380 is assembled by
inserting the pin 382 in the hole 390 of the annular member 388
followed by inserting the pin 382 through the loop 386 of the
tether element 384. Thereafter, the pin 382 is releasably mounted
within a cavity 396 of the housing 381. Upon actuation, the
moveable member translates the pin 382 away from the housing 50 the
fixed annular ring 388 pushes the loop 386 of the tether element
384 from the pin 382 thereby releasing the tether element 384.
[0106] Referring to FIGS. 8(r)-8(u), there is illustrated another
assembly 410 for an air bag system, the assembly 410 including a
pin 412 with a stopper 414 attached to a moveable member (not
shown), a tether element 416 having a loop 418 and a generally
elongated flexible arm (e.g. a leaf spring) 420 attached to a
housing 422 and having a detent portion 424. The assembly 410 is
assembled by slidably receiving the loop 418 of the tether element
416 upon the pin 412 up to the stopper 414. Thereafter, the pin 412
is releasably mounted within a cavity 428 of the to housing 422.
Upon actuation, the moveable member moves away from the housing 422
and the pin 412 leaves the cavity 428 such that the detent portion
424 of the elongated flexible arm 420 pushes against the loop 418
of the tether element 416, causing it to slide from the pin 412,
thereby releasing the tether element 416. The spring like structure
of the flexible arm 420 allows the loop 418 to be slid over the pin
412 and the pin 412 to then be placed in the cavity 428 (as shown
in FIGS. 8T-8U).
[0107] Referring to FIGS. 8(v)-8(z), there is illustrated another
assembly 440 for an air bag system. The assembly includes a pin 442
attached to a moveable member (not shown), a housing 444 having a
plurality of undercut cavities 446, a snap-in engagement member 448
having a central hole 450 and hooks 452, and a tether element 454
having a loop 456. The assembly 440 is assembled by receiving the
pin 442 within the hole 450 of the member 448 and through the loop
456 of the tether element 454. Thereafter, the two hooking members
452 are received in the cavities 446 within the housing 444 while
the pin 442 is releasably received in the third cavity 446 of the
housing 444. Upon actuation, the pin 442 is translated out of the
cavity 446 and the member 448 scrapes the loop 456 off the pin 442
thereby releasing the tether element 454.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 9(a)-9(d), there is illustrated another
assembly 470 having a release mechanism 472 for releasing a tether
element 474. The assembly includes a housing 476 and a moveable
member 478. The release mechanism 472 includes a rotatable
elongated panel 480 having one or more arms 482 extending at right
angles from the panel 484, and a rod 486 attached to the tether
element 474. The moveable member 478 includes projections 488
extending from a wall the moveable member 478. Prior to actuation,
the projections 488 of the moveable member 478 blockingly engage
the arms 482 of the elongated panel 480, and thus the panel 484
substantially encloses the rod 486 within a channel 490 of the
housing 476. As seen in FIGS. 9C-9D, upon actuation, the member 478
is translated to release the arms 488 from blocking engagement
thereby allowing the panel 484 to rotate and release the rod 486.
In turn, the tether element 474 is released from the channel 490 of
the housing 476.
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 10(a)-10(b), there is illustrated a
release mechanism 500 for a tether element 502 of an air bag
system. The release mechanism 500 includes a retractable rod 504
that is part of, or attached to a moveable member (not shown). The
rod 504 is disposed in opposing cavities or openings 506, 508 of a
housing 510 of the air bag system. Upon deployment of the moveable
member of the air bag system, the rod 504 retracts into the housing
510 thereby releasing a loop 512 of the tether element 502 disposed
about the rod 504, thus, releasing the tether element 502 (see FIG.
10B).
[0110] Referring to FIGS. 10(c)-10(d), there is illustrated another
release mechanism 520 substantially identical to the release
mechanism 500 of FIGS. 10(a)-10(b) with the exception that the rod
504 includes a substantially thinned or hinged portion 522 about
which a portion of the rod 504 is rotatable. Upon deployment of an
air bag of the system the rod 504 retracts a distance far enough to
remove the rod 504 from one of the opposing cavities 506, 508 such
that the rod 504 can rotate about the thinned or hinged portion and
release the loop 512 of the tether element 502 and thus release the
tether element 502.
[0111] If desired, a tether element may be attached to an air bag,
another tether element or both and the tether elements may be
pleated or folded. Referring to FIGS. 11, and 11(a-b), there is
illustrated an air bag system 540 having an air bag 542, a housing
544, a gas emitting inflator 546, a moveable member 548, and a
tether element 550. The tether element 550 is configured to define
a panel structure that is substantially triangular in shape when
the air bag 542 is inflated and the tether element 550 includes an
edge 552 of the triangular shape that is attached (e.g. stitched)
in an elongated manner to a portion of the air bag 542 as best seen
in FIG. 11(b). The first tether element 550 is pleated
accordion-like as shown in FIG. 11(a). The tether element 550
includes a loop 554 releasably fastened to a rod 556 of the
moveable member 548. Furthermore, the tether element 550 includes a
base portion 558 sewn to a portion of the air bag 542 for providing
a second lesser degree of restraint upon the air bag 542 when the
moveable member 548 deploys and the loop 554 is released to further
extend the tether element 550.
[0112] Gas Flow Passages
[0113] Consistent with the above, in other embodiments of the
invention, gas flow passages may be employed in the air bag system
for fluid venting, aspiration or other transport. A moveable member
akin to those discussed in the foregoing is employed to
controllably open and close the passages.
[0114] Referring to FIGS. 12(a)-12(d), there is illustrated an air
bag system 600 having a gas emitting inflator 602, a housing 604,
an air bag 606, a tether element 608, a rotatable lever arm 610,
and a moveable member 612. All of these elements are substantially
identical or similar to previously discussed elements of the air
bag system. Additionally, however, the housing 604 includes a first
gas flow passage 620 and the moveable member 612 includes a second
gas flow passage 622.
[0115] In operation, the moveable member 612 is initially in a
first position such that the lever arm 610 is securing a rod 624
attached to the tether element 608 between the arm 610 and a flange
626 of the housing 604. The moveable member 612 is thus blocking
the first gas flow passage 620. Upon deployment, the moveable
member 612 is translated as previously described for aligning the
second opening 622 with the first opening 620 and allowing a flange
628 to move out of abutting contact with the member 612 and through
the opening 620. The lever arm 610 rotates and releases the rod 624
and tether element 608. As the air bag 606 inflates, additional gas
is aspirated through the openings 620, 622 from outside the housing
and into the bag 606. More specifically, gas being released from
the gas emitting inflator 602 travels past the member 610 creating
a low pressure zone behind the member 610 which in turn pulls gas
through the opening 620 into the bag 606.
[0116] In an alternative embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 13(a)
and 13(b), there is illustrated an air bag system 640 that is
substantially similar to the system 30 of FIGS. 2(a)-2(d) with the
exception that the housing 32 includes another opening 642 for
venting gas. Advantageously, as seen in FIG. 13(a), access to the
opening 642 is initially inhibited by the tether element 40, which
may be designed to substantially cover the opening 642 prior to air
bag deployment. Once the air bag 42 is deployed, as seen in FIG.
13(b), the tether element 40 may continue to inhibit access to the
opening 642 until the moveable member 36 releases the tether
element 40 thus causing a time lag for venting the air bag 42.
Timing of the release of the tether element 40 may be controlled by
controlling the time at which the moveable member 36 is deployed or
by controlling the length of the rod 62 that releases the tether
element 40.
[0117] Referring to FIGS. 14(a)-14(b), there is illustrated an air
bag system 660 having an air bag 662 attached to a tether element
664, which is attached to a pin 667. As shown, the housing 668 has
a cavity 670 for releasably receiving the pin 667, and a venting
opening 672. Upon deployment of the air bag 662, as seen in FIG.
14(b), a gas emitting inflator 674 releases gas into the air bag
662 as the opening 672 vents gas. When the movable member is
actuated so that the tether loop 666 is released from the pin 667,
the tether 664 extends blocking the gas escape path through the
vent opening 672.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), there is illustrated an
air bag system 700 having a moveable member 702 similar to the
member 36 of FIGS. 2(a)-2(b). The system 700 also includes a
housing 704 with a wall 706 that can be translated to provide a gas
escape path 707. Upon deployment of the air bag, as in FIG. 15(b),
the moveable member 702 is actuated by an actuator 712 such that
the moveable member 702 abuts and translates the wall 706 of the
housing 704 thereby opening the openings 708 and providing a gas
escape path 707 to outside atmosphere.
[0119] Openings in the moveable member and the housing for venting
or aspirating gas may have a variety of configurations. Preferably,
the housing and the moveable member each include an opening such
that the openings may be selectively at least partially aligned to
vent gas. The opening of the moveable member may fully or partially
align with the opening of the housing to provide a first level of
venting prior to actuation of the moveable member and may align to
a greater or lesser degree after actuation to provide a greater or
lesser amount of venting thereby fine tuning the venting of the air
bag system.
[0120] Referring to FIGS. 15(c)-15(d), there is illustrated a
generally planar portion of a moveable member 740 having a first
opening 742 and a portion of an air bag housing 744 having a second
opening 746. The first opening 742 includes a rectangular portion
748 adjoining a substantially smaller channel portion 750. The
second opening 746 is generally rectangular. Prior to actuation of
the moveable member 740, the second opening 746 is substantially
aligned with either the channel portion 750 or rectangular portion
748 of the first opening 742 for a first level of venting. Upon
actuation of the moveable member 740, the first opening 742 moves
to align whichever of the portions 748, 750 that was previously not
aligned and move whichever portion 748, 750 was aligned out of
alignment for a second higher level of venting.
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 15(e)-15(f), there is illustrated a
generally planar portion of a moveable member 760 having a first
opening 762 and a portion of an air bag housing 764 having a second
opening 766. The first opening 762 is generally rectangular with a
pair of chamfered corners 768. The second opening 768 is generally
rectangular. Actuation of the member 760 can align the openings
762, 766 or move the first opening 762 out of alignment with the
second opening 768. The corners 768 can be chamfered as much as
desired for restricting the amount of alignment possible for the
openings 762, 766 thereby restricting the amount of the venting
possible.
[0122] Referring to FIGS. 15(g)-15(h) there is illustrated a
generally planar portion of a moveable member 780 having a first
opening 782 and a portion of an air bag housing 784 having a second
opening 786. The first opening 782 includes a rectangular portion
788 chamfered corners 790 and an adjoining substantially smaller
channel portion 792. The second opening 786 is generally
rectangular. Prior to actuation of the moveable member 780, the
second opening 786 is substantially aligned with either the channel
portion 792 or the rectangular portion 788 of the first opening 782
for a first level of venting. Upon actuation of the moveable member
780, the second rectangular opening 786 aligns with whichever of
the portions 788, 792 of the first opening 782 that was not
previously aligned for a second higher or lower level of venting.
The corners 790 can be chamfered as much as desired for restricting
the amount of alignment (and, in turn, venting) possible for the
openings 782, 786.
[0123] Gas Flow Passage/Gas Flow Director Combination
[0124] The air bag system of the present invention may include a
gas director for selectively guiding gas from a gas emitting
inflator toward or away from a gas flow opening. Referring to FIGS.
16(a)-16(b), there is illustrated an air bag system 820, 822 having
an inflator 824, a gas director 826, a housing 828 and a moveable
member 830. The housing 828 includes a gas flow opening 832. The
inflator 824 includes a canister having a pair of outlets 834 for
emitting gas. The gas director 826 includes a panel 836 that is
disposed at an angle with respect to the housing 828. The only
difference between the system 820 and the system 822 is that in
FIG. 16(a), the director 826 is attached to the inflator 824 and,
in FIG. 16(b), the director 828 is attached to the housing 828. The
moveable member 830 is translatable between at least a first
position and a second position and includes an opening 838. When
the moveable member 830 is in the first position, as in FIGS.
16(a)-16(b), the gas flow opening 832 is aligned with the opening
838 as the angled panel 836 of the gas director 826 assists in
guiding gas that escapes from the inflator 824 through the passage
ways 832, 838 for greater venting. When the moveable member 830 is
in the second position, (not shown), the member 830 at least
partially obstructs the gas flow opening 832 of the housing 828
such that gas from the inflator 824 is inhibited from escaping
through the opening 832.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 16(c)-16(d), there is illustrated an air
bag system 850 having an inflator 852, a gas director 854, a
housing 856 and a moveable member 858. The moveable member 858 and
the housing 856 each respectively include a gas flow opening 860,
861. The inflator 852 includes a canister having a pair of outlets
862 for emitting gas. The gas director 854 is a tubular structure
attached to the moveable member 858 and includes a passage 864
defined therethrough. The moveable member 858 is translatable
between at least a first position and a second position. When the
moveable member 858 is in the first position, as in FIG. 16(c), the
passage 864 of the gas director 854 is aligned with one of the
outlets 862 of the inflator 852 and with the gas flow opening 860
of the housing 856 such that a substantial amount of gas is
channeled from the inflator 852, through the passage 864 of the gas
director 854 and out of the gas flow openings 860, 861 of the
housing 856 and member 858. When the moveable member 858 is in the
second position, as in FIG. 16(d), the gas director 854 plays
little or no part in guiding gas from the inflator 852.
[0126] Moveable member Alternative Operation
[0127] The air bag system of the present invention may also include
a moveable member that is actuated by the pressure in an inflator
that is also used to inflate the air bag itself. This may be done
in airbag systems containing one or more inflators. Referring to
17(a), there is illustrated an air bag system 900 having an
inflator 902, a moveable member 904 and a housing 906. The inflator
902 has a pair of outlets 908 and the moveable member 904 includes
a wall portion 910 that opposes one of the outlets 908. Upon
deployment of an air bag, gas is expelled from the outlet 908 of
the inflator 902 toward the opposing wall portion 910 of the
moveable member 904 thereby translating the member 904 relative to
the housing 906.
[0128] Referring to FIGS. 17(b)-17(c), there is illustrated an air
bag system 930 having an inflator 932, a moveable member 934 and a
housing 936. The inflator 932 includes a rod 938 attached to a wall
portion 940 of the moveable member 934.
[0129] Upon deployment of an air bag, gas is expelled from the
inflator 932, and additionally, pressure within the inflator 932
pushes the rod 938 and the moveable member 934 away from the
inflator 932 thereby translating the moveable member 934 relative
to the housing 936. This may be done in an airbag system containing
one or more inflators.
[0130] Alternatives
[0131] Various changes may be made to the embodiments shown above
to form alternative embodiments of the invention. Components of the
air bag systems such as moveable members, release mechanisms,
actuators and the like or portions of these components may be
separate or integrally formed. Components disclosed in one of the
embodiments may be utilized or interchanged with components of
other disclosed embodiments.
[0132] The moveable members may be selectively deployed based upon
signals of a single sensor or multiple sensors. The sensors may be
designed to sense a variety of different conditions such as impact,
yaw, braking, passenger position and the like. Based upon one or
more of the conditions sensed, the sensor may signal full
deployment of the air bag (i.e., deployment of the air bag wherein
the moveable member also actuates to release a tether element,
close a high pressure vent or both), partial deployment of the air
bag (i.e., deployment of the air bag wherein the moveable member is
not actuated thereby retaining a tether element, maintaining high
pressure vents open or both) or non-deployment of the air bag.
[0133] Additionally, the sensors may signal the deployment of the
moveable member and an associated air bag sequentially or at the
same time as desired and their deployment may be dependent or
independent of each other.
[0134] Multiple types of air bags may take advantage of the
concepts and components disclosed herein. The air bags may be side
impact air bags, roof or A-pillar mounted air bags or the like.
[0135] Although, the moveable member is shown as translating along
a single axis, it is contemplated that motion of the member may be
along multiple axes in multiple directions.
[0136] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to
the exact embodiment or construction which has been illustrated and
described but that various changes may be made without departing
from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
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